A lot of people don’t realize that there are two different forms of herpes out there. Genital herpes and oral herpes actually share 50% of the exact DNA, they are virtually identical. Genital herpes, or HSV-2, is the one that makes the big news, and thus it is the one that most people think of when they picture herpes in general. However, oral herpes is also a problem out there, and it is one that most people have without even knowing it. Known as herpes type 1 (HSV-1), oral herpes can result in the ever so common cold sores than most people get around their mouths. Most people contract this when they’re younger, childhood or teenage years, by kissing parents, relatives, or when puberty starts when you begin kissing boys and girls. Most never even know that they have herpes.

One of the differences between the two different herpes types is the preference where the virus is located. Generally, HSV-1 prefers the mouth and lips, while HSV-2 prefers the genital region. However, it is possible to pass genital herpes to someone’s mouth or to pass oral herpes to someone’s genitals, but note while it can happen, it is rare. This usually happens during oral sex when one person does not realize that he or she is breaking out. You can pass the virus on to another person even a few days after a breakout has occurred, so you need to make sure to approach that idea cautiously. If you have vaginal or anal intercourse, make sure to use a condom to provide a barrier between the uninfected skin and the infected skin.

There are a number of tests out there for herpes, but few of them will pinpoint what kind of herpes you actually have. Blood tests, for instance, are beneficial because they can find herpes even when there is no outbreak present, but few can tell you which type of the virus you have. You will need to request specific testing from your doctor if you want to know whether you have oral herpes or genital herpes. Most of the time you will know that anyways though based on the severity and location of your particular symptoms. Even still, testing is available for you at any time. Talk to your doctor today about your options.